Benedictum Singer Veronica Freeman Says ‘We’re the Oddball Band’

When American metallers Benedictum set out to record their new album 'Dominion,' the band was faced with more than just the challenge of creating new material. They were also charged with pleasing their new label, Frontiers, who had also just picked up King Kobra, Warrant and Whitesnake.

For Benedictum frontwoman Veronica Freeman, the switch to Frontiers was both exciting and educational. "I don't think they knew what they were getting into," she laughs.

Freeman admits that the tracks on 'Dominion' were much darker than the band's first two records, and not necessarily by design. In fact, the new sound was so dark that Freeman admits she was glad when Frontiers raised some initial concerns.

"I'm kind of glad they pulled the reigns back just a little bit... which was fine with me. I didn't want to lose the Benedictum feel," she says.

That isn't to say Frontiers heard the record and just took over. The label was very open and gave the band total control. In fact, Frontiers dared Benedictum to "bring it" when it came time to record.

Still, Benedictum knows there isn't another band quite like them on Frontiers -- and that's okay. "We're the oddball child... the red-headed stepchild on the label," Freeman says with a devilish cackle.

For being oddballs, the band is having a lot of fun and loving their new labelmates. Freeman even admits to having a little crush on Whitesnake singer David Coverdale.

"I got to go to a taping of 'That Metal Show' and David Coverdale was the guest and I was mesmerized," says Freeman breathlessly. "What a personality! It was like he was about to come up out of his seat... he kept looking in the audience and it was like he was talking with us. His personality is huge and he looks great."

'Dominion' is available now. Benedictum will perform at Metal Female Voices Fest IX in Belgium this October.